The diamond blazed in her dark hair and bound her polished brow,

And precious gems were clasped around her swan-like neck of snow;

And Indian looms had lent their stores to form her sumptuous dress,

And art with nature joined to grace her passing loveliness.

I looked upon her and I said, who[6] is so blessed as she?

A creature she all light and life, all beauty and all glee;

Sure,[5] sweet content blooms on her cheek and on her brow a pearl,

And she was[1] young and innocent, the Lady of the Earl.

But as I looked more carefully, I saw that radiant smile

Was but assumed in mockery, the unthinking to beguile.